This Family Sunday, we look at the last miracle of Jesus before the resurrection—the healing of blind Bartimaeus. Mark’s Gospel begins with Jesus opening the eyes of a blind man (Mark 8) and is bookended with this miracle in Mark 10, showing us that His mission is to open the eyes of the blind—both physically and spiritually.

In this message, Pastor Mitch walks through what it means to truly see Jesus for who He is and to follow Him in faith.

📖 Passage: Mark 10:46–52

💡 Big Idea: Faith in Jesus brings mercy, healing, and transformation.

Key Points:

Cry out to Jesus and ask for mercy (vv. 46–48)

– Bartimaeus calls out with faith, even when rebuked by the crowd.

– God delights to show mercy to the humble and needy.

Jesus hears your cry and responds (vv. 49–51)

– Jesus stops for Bartimaeus and calls him near.

– We are invited to bring our real needs to Him.

Faith leads to transformation (v. 52)

– Bartimaeus receives sight and follows Jesus on the way.

– True faith not only believes but acts and obeys.

👉 Whether you’re feeling weak, overlooked, or in need of mercy—this story shows us that Jesus hears, responds, and transforms those who cry out to Him in faith.

Everyone wants to be great. Whether it’s in sports, business, social media, or politics, our culture defines greatness by power, position, and recognition. But in Mark 10:32–45, Jesus flips the script.

As He walks toward the cross, Jesus teaches His disciples (and us) that true greatness in the kingdom of God is not about climbing higher—it’s about stooping lower. It’s not about asserting power and control, but sacrificially serving others.

In this message, we’ll explore:

The world’s definition of greatness: power, status, and control.

Jesus’ definition of greatness: humility and service.

How Jesus demonstrated true greatness by giving His life as a ransom for many.

If you’ve ever struggled with ambition, comparison, or the craving for recognition, this passage redefines what it means to “be great.”

📖 Scripture: Mark 10:32–45

🎯 Big Idea: Greatness in the kingdom of God is demonstrated through sacrificially serving others, not through asserting power and control.

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This week we walk slowly through another powerful snapshot in Jesus’ journey—one that raises some of the most important questions of our day: How do we get to heaven? How do we handle money? And what does that reveal about our faith?

In Mark 10:17–31, a wealthy man runs to Jesus with urgency, asking, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus’ response forces us to wrestle with three life-changing truths:

Only God is truly good.

Dependence on wealth distracts from dependence on God.

God’s grace alone saves.

The rich man’s sorrow, the disciples’ astonishment, and Jesus’ promise of eternal life all confront us with the question: What do I treasure most?

Join us as we see how this story calls us to admit our weakness, release our idols, and rest fully in God’s grace.

📖 Scripture: Mark 10:17–31

🌐 Learn more at ascendbible.church

How do you get into God’s kingdom? Not by being impressive, connected, or “good enough.” Jesus says the only way in… is to come like a child.

In this message, we’ll see why Jesus welcomes the overlooked, why empty hands are the only hands that can be filled, and how His blessing changes everything.

📖 Mark 10:13–16 | Jesus desires that all—like little children—come to Him with humble dependence.

This week at Ascend, we’re walking through one of Jesus’ most straightforward—but also most sensitive—teachings in the Gospel of Mark. In Mark 10:1–12, the Pharisees try to trap Jesus with a controversial question about divorce. But rather than take the bait, Jesus turns the conversation to something much deeper—God’s design for marriage.

In this message, we’ll unpack:

The trap the Pharisees set (vv. 1–2)

Jesus’ response and the heart behind Moses’ concession (vv. 3–5)

God’s original design for marriage as a covenant (vv. 6–9)

A private, clarifying conversation with the disciples (vv. 10–12)

And what it all reveals about discipleship, covenant, and grace

Whether you're single, married, or have experienced divorce yourself, we believe Jesus speaks truth and offers grace. You’re not alone, and there’s hope in Him.

📖 Passage: Mark 10:1–12

🎙 Speaker: Pastor Mitch Green

📍 Join us Sundays at 10AM in Indianapolis or online anytime.

When the spiritual high fades and we step back into the chaos of everyday life, what happens to our faith? In this message from Mark 9:14–50, Pastor Jon Cox shows how Jesus leads His disciples—and us—into the valley, where true discipleship is formed.

We learn that following Jesus isn’t proven on the mountaintop, but in the valley—where we:

Depend completely on Jesus in prayer and trust

Lay down our pride and embrace humility

Protect others and pursue radical holiness

If you’re walking through weakness, confusion, or discouragement—this passage reminds us: Jesus meets us in the valley, not just on the mountain.

📖 Scripture: Mark 9:14–50

🎤 Preacher: Pastor Jon Cox

📍 Location: Ascend Bible Church, Indianapolis

🕙 Sundays at 10AM | More info: https://ascendbible.church

In this episode, we take a deeper dive into one of the most mysterious and powerful scenes in the Gospel of Mark—the Transfiguration of Jesus—and focus specifically on the question: Who is Elijah?

Why does Elijah appear alongside Moses? What does his presence reveal about Jesus? And how do Jesus’ words about Elijah connect to John the Baptist, suffering, and the unfolding mission of the Messiah?

We’ll explore:

The Old Testament background of Elijah’s ministry

Why the disciples expected Elijah to return

How Jesus redefines their expectations

The prophetic connection between Elijah and John the Baptist

What this means for how we see Jesus today

This conversation will help clarify a confusing but crucial part of Scripture and grow your confidence in the unity of God’s redemptive plan.

Text: Mark 9:2–13

Recorded as part of our series through the Gospel of Mark at Ascend Bible Church.